Local teen to compete in 2015 Miss Jr. Teen Pageant

WEST ORANGE — After growing up watching “America’s Next Top Model,” Tierra Hawkins, 15, has her goals set high as she chases her first crown in the 2015 Miss Jr. Teen pageant competition July 26.

Hawkins, an incoming freshman at Olympia High School, was accepted into the competition after judges reviewed her application and her interview session. She’ll represent West Orange as she competes for a variety of prizes and gifts. Should she win, she’ll represent Orlando and the surrounding communities at the national competition.

The upcoming competition will be Hawkins’ first foray into the pageant scene. Three years ago, Tierra and her mother, Tanshameca Hawkins, filled out an information card for Barbizon, a modeling and acting school. They did not hear anything until two years later, when they received a phone called inviting Tierra Hawkins to be a part of their school.

“It was actually really good,” Tanshameca Hawkins said. “It taught her waltz, poses, facial expressions, posture, how to interview, how to promote herself. It taught her a lot of stuff.”

After graduating from Barbizon last March, Tierra Hawkins was invited to be a part of the 2015 Miss Teen pageant by one of her friends. Following an interview process, she learned she would compete as a finalist.

Tierra Hawkins said she is both excited and nervous about the upcoming pageant.

“I hope it’s going to be fun, and I meet new friends,” she said.

The competition will include several portions, including modeling routines (casual and formal wear), personality and interviewing skills. Her mother expects the competition will be good for her. 

“From Barbizon to this, then I think it’s going to take us to the next level,” Tanshameca Hawkins said.

Although her passion for modeling has started to take off, Tierra Hawkins’ dream career is to be a criminal investigator. As she strives for that, she will continue to work with Barbizon taking in information from girls just like her.

Although she is new to pageantry, Tierra Hawkins shows no hesitation toward the competition.

“I would like people to know that I’m in this to win,” she said.

Her mother has voiced the same confidence in her daughter.

“I’m looking forward to bringing home the crown, to bringing home this 3-foot trophy,”  Tanshameca Hawkins said.

Contact Emilee Jackson at [email protected].